"Britney Jean" is the eighth studio album by American singer Britney Spears, released on November 29, 2013, by RCA Records. It is Spears's second self-titled album, following Britney from 2001. The album's title refers to both her first and middle names, symbolizing a more personal approach to her music. It also marks Spears’s first major project since the dissolution of her longtime record label, Jive Records, in 2011.
Recording for Britney Jean began in May 2013 and continued through October of the same year. Spears described the album as her most personal work to date, playing a significant role in its production. She co-wrote every track and worked with songwriters and producers like Sia and will.i.am to create the desired sound, blending elements of EDM and pop music. The album features guest appearances from her sister Jamie Lynn Spears, rapper T.I., and will.i.am.
Upon its release, Britney Jean received mixed reviews. Critics felt that the album, despite its personal marketing, was ultimately impersonal, with some pointing out that its production sounded dated. The authenticity of some of Spears's vocals also sparked controversy. Despite these critiques, the album debuted at number four on the US Billboard 200, selling 107,000 copies in its first week. This made it Spears’s lowest-charting and lowest-selling album in the United States. It also debuted at number 34 in the United Kingdom, and while it performed modestly worldwide, reaching the top 20 and top 30 in various countries, it was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for combined album-equivalent sales of 500,000.
The album's lead single, "Work Bitch," was released on September 17, 2013, and became a moderate hit, peaking at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100. The song later became one of her signature tracks. The second single, "Perfume," was released on November 3, 2013, and peaked at number 76 on the Billboard Hot 100. Two additional singles, "Til It's Gone" and "It Should Be Easy," were released to French and Italian radio, respectively, though no significant further promotion was done for the album.
In addition to the album, Spears announced a two-year residency show titled Britney: Piece of Me at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas, which began on December 27, 2013, and was later extended through December 31, 2017. Spears made a notable appearance on Good Morning America on September 17, 2013, to promote the residency, which garnered significant media attention.
